Why to invest in France

France alone is a market of over 65 million consumers, making it the 2nd largest in Europe and the world’s sixth largest economy.

To avail of effective, high-level infrastructures

France has the largest road network and the 2nd largest high-speed rail networkin Europe.

It is the largest recipient of foreign direct investment (FDI) in logistics in Europe and is home to the 2nd busiest European airport(cargo and passengers): Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle.

To have a productive and dynamic workforce

France ranks 6th in the worldfor hourly labour productivity in 2015 (€45.6 per hour worked compared with €37.3 in the eurozone).

It has a highly-qualified workforce: in 2013, 44% of 30-34year olds were higher-education graduates.

To take advantage of low set-up costs

Set-up and operating costs are lower in France than in the United States, Germany and Japan.

Furthermore, renting office space in the Paris business centre is half the cost of the same space in London’s West End (€875/m²/year as opposed to €1,978/m²/year).

Creating a company in France costs less than 1% of average per capita income, compared to an average of 9% in the G20 countries.

To invest in an innovative economy which supports innovation

The world’s largest incubator is in France: the Halle Freyssinet hosts 1,000 innovative start-upsin Paris.

Furthermore, research tax credit (CIR) is open to all companies. No less than 20,441 companiesreceived it in 2012.

€47 billionwas mobilized for the future investments programme (PIA) and the French Very-High-Speed Broadband Plan.

To operate in a major financial centre

Euronext Paris is the world’s 7th-largest financial centre, the 3rd largest in Europe for company bonds, 5th in the world for transactions in yuans and 3rd largest in Europe for the management of financial assets.

To enjoy a renowed quality of life

France is an attractive destination for professionals (Paris is the world’s number one destination for business conferences), students (world’s 3rd most popular destination) and tourists (world’s number one destination).

To take advantage of highly competitive production costs

The Competitiveness and Employment Tax Credit (CICE) and the Responsibility and Solidarity Pact together make up a €40 billion reduction in production costs for companies: this is equivalent to almost 2% of GDP which will support activity and enable 500,000 jobs to be created by 2020.

To benefit from simplified administrative procedures

France is the European leader in terms of e-administration and is fourth in the global ranking based on three criteria: on-line services offered by the government, telecommunications infrastructures and its population’s level of education.

The act on the simplification of running companies, which was passed in December 2014, enabled companies and users to make savings of €3.3 billionin 2013-2014.

To take advantage of facilitated reception and set-up for managers and employees

France has signed tax conventions with over 120 countries(avoidance of double taxation). It has also provided companies with a single contact for tax matters (Tax4Business) and adapted residence permits (Talents Passport, created in 2015).

A grant and a support mechanism for innovative entrepreneurs were also set up, known as the French Tech ticket.